SH0CK: BBC Strictly Come Dancing announces ninth contestant for new series
The BBC has announced the ninth celebrity contestant
Strictly Come Dancing has confirmed the ninth celebrity contestant set to take to the ballroom floor. The hit BBC show will return to screens later this year with a fresh batch of famous faces. Bethany Antonia is the latest star to be announced, best known for her role as Lady Baela Targaryen in the HBO series House of the Dragon.
Speaking about joining the show, Bethany said: “I can’t quite believe that I will be heading to the Strictly ballroom this September! I have grown up watching Strictly, and I am so excited to take the challenge on and (hopefully) learn a new skill. See you on the dancefloor!”
The TV star also announced her latest career move in a video on the Strictly Come Dancing Instagram page. She said: “This is weird.
“I am coming on here to say that in September I’m going to be joining the cast of Strictly Come Dancing. Oh my goodness! I’m so excited.
“I’m absolutely terrified. I cannot wait to meet my partner. I can’t wait to be part of the Strictly extravaganza.”
She added: “I just can’t quite believe that I’m going to get the chance to hopefully learn how to ballroom and Latin dance.”
Taking to the comments on Instagram, Strictly Come Dancing professional dancer Amy Dowden said: “Welcome xxxx.”
Judge Motsi Mabuse said: “Welcome @bethanyantonia let’s rock and roll.” And head judge Shirley Ballas said: “Welcome”, with a red love heart emoji.
Bethany started her acting career at 14 years old, appearing in a short film adaptation of Shakespeare’s The Tempest.
She went on to feature in shows such as BBC soap opera Doctors, as well as teen thriller series Get Even, sitcom Stath Lets Flats, biopic Nolly and popular sci-fi show Doctor Who.
The actress shot to global fame in 2022 for her role in House Of The Dragon, which is based on George RR Martin’s series of novels A Song Of Ice And Fire.
She is currently appearing in a West End production of Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown as the fiercely independent Eurydice.
Bethany will join previously announced contestants Jaime Winstone, Lacey Turner, Dani Dyer, Delta Goodrem, Chris Appleton, Cach Mercer, Will Best and Dame Sarah Storey.
Broadcaster Emma Willis, professional dancer Johannes Radebe and comedian Josh Widdicombe are the new hosts of the BBC show.
They will replace Tess Daly and Claudia Winkleman, who announced they were leaving the show late last year.
Further celebrities joining the line-up will be announced throughout the summer ahead of the new series airing on BBC One and iPlayer this September.
